AROUND THE DIOCESE

Special Event Listing for 11.16.23

Posted

Collection for our Retired Religious
PROVIDENCE — Please give to those who have given a lifetime. The Retirement Fund for Religious, held annually each December, provides support for thousands of elderly Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests. By 2025, it is projected that religious past age 70 will outnumber those under age 70 by four to one. Learn more about the retirement funding shortage and how you can make a difference in the life of an elderly religious by visiting retiredreligious.org. This fund helps religious communities care for senior members—today and tomorrow. The upcoming collection will be on the weekend of December 9-10 in the Diocese of Providence. Please donate at your parish or by mail at: Office for Religious, One Cathedral Square, Providence, RI 02903. Please make checks payable to Diocesan Service Corporation with Religious Retirement Fund noted in the memo line. Learn more at www.dioceseofprovidence.org/religious.

Funny4Funds Comedy Night to help families in need
COVENTRY — The St. Vincent de Paul Society Coventry Conference and Blessing Council Knights of Columbus will sponsor a comedy fundraiser on Friday, Nov. 17 at the SS John & Paul Parish Center, 341 S. Main St. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. All proceeds will help needy families in Coventry. For tickets, or to donate or sponsor the event, visit: tinyurl.com/yx5y4rfh, or contact bamattias@gmail.com, 401-477-4144.
Saint John Paul II Parish Christmas Bazaar
PAWTUCKET — Saint John Paul II Parish, 755 Central Ave., will host a Christmas Bazaar on Friday, Nov. 17, from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (ticket sales end at 1:30 p.m.). The bazaar will feature raffles, food, a silent auction, a variety of shopping including books, crafts, tools, plants, vendors and much more. The hall is handicap accessible. Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to help stock our St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. For more information, call 401-722-1220.
Holly Jolly Christmas Bazaar
WOONSOCKET — St. Joseph Parish, 1200 Mendon Road, will host a Holly Jolly Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The event will include yard sale items, large gift baskets and penny social baskets. Grand prize raffles include New England Patriots, WooSox and other local event tickets, money trees, and much more.
Catholic Near East Welfare Association Reception
PROVIDENCE — Following the 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday, Nov. 18, Bishop Richard G. Henning will host a reception in cathedral hall. The reception will feature a presentation by representatives from Catholic Near East Welfare Association. CNEWA rushes humanitarian aid to displaced families; provides health care to the most vulnerable; assists victims of human trafficking, and supports the education and formation of priests, religious sisters and lay leaders in the Middle East, Northeast Africa, India and Eastern Europe. Their team will take questions from the audience and Bishop Henning will also share a reflection about the importance of their work. Light refreshments will be served. To attend, call or email Tim McCaig at 401-865-6851 or tmccaig@dioceseofprovidence.org.

Saint Francis of Assisi Bazaar scheduled
WAKEFIELD — Saint Francis of Assisi will hold their annual bazaar on November 18, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., in Father Greenan Hall, which includes more than 15 craft and vendors tables, silent auction, bake sale, and a cafe for drinks and a lunch menu.
St. Agnes Church Christmas Star Festival
PROVIDENCE — St. Agnes Church, 351 Branch Avenue, Providence will hold its annual Christmas Star Festival in the church hall on Saturday, Nov. 25 from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. - noon. The bazaar will feature a penny social, grab bags, bake table, 50/50, Pot of Gold, Christmas table, jewelry, Grandma’s attic, raffles and more. The kitchen will be open all day on Saturday. The penny social tickets and raffles will be drawn on Sunday. Please contact the Rectory at 401-861-7265 for more information.
Toy Drive
WOONSOCKET —Each year the Woonsocket Knights of Columbus, along with the family of the late Ron Auger and the Woonsocket Police Department, sponsor a Christmas Toy Drive for needy children ages newborn to 12 years-old, boys and girls, within the community. On Saturday, Nov. 25 the Knights will be collecting unwrapped new toys in the Good Shepherd School gym, 1200 Mendon Road, along with members of the Woonsocket Police. You are welcome to stop by to bring a new toy from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Santa will be available from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. for visiting and pictures. Refreshments will be available.
Pray for peace in the Holy Land
NARRAGANSETT — All are welcome to join our parish community as we gather for a candlelit praise and worship hour to pray for peace in the Holy Land on Sunday, Nov. 26 from 5-6 p.m., at St. Veronica Chapel, 1035 Boston Neck Road. Join in-person or via livestream from www.stthomasmoreri.org. Choose Watch Live/St. Veronica Chapel.
The Wonder of Christmas Bazaar and Crafts Fair
NASONVILLE — The annual Wonder of Christmas Bazaar and Crafts Fair will take place on Friday, Dec. 1, from noon to 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at St. Theresa’s Shrine hall, 35 Dion Drive. The event will include a penny social with more than 30 gift cards, knitted items, hand-crafted mittens, hand-dipped chocolates, crafts, gifts, sweets, Christmas ornaments, gift baskets, mystery wine bags and much more.
Advent Family Day
NORTH EASTON, Mass. — To help your family spiritually prepare for the Advent season and the true meaning of Christmas, please join us for a free Advent Family Day at the Museum of Family Prayer, 518 Washington St., on December 2, 11 a.m.. From cookie decorating to musician-led Christmas caroling, this event is the perfect way to spend your Saturday.
Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe
RHODE ISLAND — December 2 begins the Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Bishop Richard G. Henning will be visiting nine different parishes in the Diocese of Providence during the Novena. Find the full schedule of dates and locations at www.dioceseofprovidence.org/hispanic-ministry. For more information contact Celso Vera, Coordinator, diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry, 401-421-7833 ext.233 or cvera@dpvd.org.

Catholic High School Placement Test
RHODE ISLAND — Are you ready to take the next step on your educational journey? Join us for the High School Placement Test on December 2! It’s your opportunity to explore the outstanding Catholic schools in our community. Eighth grade students are encouraged to take the Catholic High School Placement test at their first choice school. Please contact the individual school to confirm the test date/time. Follow this link for high schools contact info and codes, https://www.catholicschools.org/schoolfinder.

Christmas Bingo
EAST PROVIDENCE — Sacred Heart School, 118 Taunton Ave., will host a Christmas Bingo to benefit student scholarships on Saturday, Dec. 2. Doors open at 6 p.m. Admission cost includes 20 games of bingo. The kitchen will be open and will be selling cacoila (Portuguese pulled pork) and chourico sandwiches, malassadas (doughboys), hot dogs and French fries. There will also be raffles and a special bingo to end the night.
St. Thomas Church Christmas Bazaar
PROVIDENCE — St. Thomas Church Christmas Bazaar, 65 Fruit Hill Ave., will take place on Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. The bazaar will feature penny social, raffles, food and pastry booth, games, flea market, photos with Santa, Elsa and the Grinch from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Door prizes every hour, first 50 guests receive a free gift.
St. John Baptist Christmas Bazaar
PAWTUCKET — St. John Baptist Church, 69 Quincy Ave., will host a Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Breakfast will be available from 9 -11 a.m. each day. The bazaar will feature raffles, plants, personalized ornaments, t-shirts, Christmas decorations, pastries and more.
Christmas Open House
COVENTRY —Gabriel’s Trumpet, 477 Washington St., will host a Christmas open house, Saturday, Dec. 2 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. There will be mystery discounts, refreshments served, and a door prize to be given away. For additional information, call Gabriel’s at 401-823-4884.
Advent Taize Service
EAST FREETOWN, Mass. — St. John Neumann Church invites all to their Advent themed Sunday Taize Service, on Sunday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m. The theme is “Finding Messiah in our midst: Where would Jesus be today?” This service is a combination of songs, reflections and readings. The Church is located on Route 18 – 157 Middleboro Road in East Freetown, Mass.
St. Augustine Knights to host book sale
PROVIDENCE — The St. Augustine Chapter of the Knights of Columbus will hold a book sale at the parish, 639 Mount Pleasant Ave., on the weekend of December 9 and 10. Author Paul Caranci will have several of his titles available including his new release, “In The Shadows of Vietnam: The Gallant Life of Fr. Phil Salois.” The sale will take place following the 4 p.m. Mass on Saturday, and all Sunday Masses at 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Living Nativity
WAKEFIELD — The Christmas story comes to life at Monsignor Clarke School on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 6-8 p.m. Drive thru nativity tickets and reservation information can be found at www.monsignorclarkeschool.org.

The Sounds of the Season Concert
PROVIDENCE —The Gregorian Concert Choir and Festival Orchestra will present a Concert entitled “The Sounds of the Season” at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. The Concert, featuring the music of Advent and Christmas, will benefit the Diocese of Providence “Keep the Heat On” Challenge which assists poor and low income families with utility expenses. Tickets for the Concert may be purchased by calling the Cathedral office at 401-331-2434. Tickets will also be available at the door on the day of the Concert.
Diocesan Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe
PROVIDENCE — The diocesan Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, with Bishop Richard G. Henning as celebrant and homilist. Prior to Mass, the evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with the Holy Rosary, Confession, and a serenade to the Virgin. For more information visit dioceseofprovidence.org/hispanic-ministry; contact Celso Vera, Coordinator, diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry, 401-421-7833 ext.233 or cvera@dpvd.org. All are welcome.
‘Las Mañanitas’ to Our Lady of Guadalupe with Bishop Henning
PROVIDENCE — All are invited to gather in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, on Tuesday, Dec. 12 beginning at 7 a.m. to sing the Mañanitas (“little mornings” in Spanish) to Our Lady of Guadalupe with Bishop Richard G. Henning. For more information visit dioceseofprovidence.org/hispanic-ministry; contact Celso Vera, Coordinator, diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry, 401-421-7833 ext.233 or cvera@dpvd.org.

Surviving the Holidays GriefShare Seminar
WESTERLY — If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, getting through the Advent and Christmas seasons can be very hard. The Surviving the Holidays GriefShare seminar can help you find your way through the difficult emotions you may be experiencing this time of year. At this meeting you will watch a video, be part of a supportive discussion group, and receive a guidebook with daily encouragement and helpful practices for your journey. You will also join in prayer with others who share your faith in Christ. The seminar will be offered at two different times: Saturday, Dec. 2, 8:30-10:30 a.m., and Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 6-8 p.m., at St. Pius X Church, 44 Elm St. For more information or to register, please contact Linda Cunningham at 401-714-9824.
Healing Mass for Addictions
CHARLESTOWN — Healing Mass for Addictions will be celebrated at 1 p.m. in St. James Chapel, 2079 Matunuck Schoolhouse Road, on the first Sunday of each month through June. Father Paul Desmarais will serve as the celebrant. If you or someone you know needs prayer and healing - spiritual, emotional, or physical please join us. For more information, please call the Rectory at 401-364-7214.
SPRED: We are looking for someone to share their faith with us
RHODE ISLAND —Many parishes have openings for adults to share their faith and people with disabilities of all ages: St. Patrick, Providence; St. Timothy, Warwick; St. Joan of Arc, Cumberland; St. Theresa, Nasonville; St. Kateri, Exeter; St. Philip, Greenville; and more. All you need is to “love your faith and have a big heart.” The Diocese of Providence will provide training. Will you pray and consider helping us to prepare to receive sacraments and grow in a community of faith? Call Irma Rodriguez for more information 401-278-4578 or email at irodriguez@dioceseofprovidence.org.